Born: May 22, 1930 - Deceased: May 10, 2020
Beulah May Penry Elder, nee , Dillard was born May 22, 1930 to John and Jane, nee Digby, Dillard in East St. Louis, IL. Beulah closed her eyes and boarded the sweet chariot bound for glory on May 10, 2020 at The Colonnade Senior Living in O’Fallon, IL after a two and one-half year battle with cancer.
Beulah was preceded in death by her:
- mother and father
- brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Emma Dillard
- sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Ernie Peiffer
- adopted sister, JoAnn Feegle
- husband, Norris Penry
- nephew, Joseph Peiffer
- step-daughter, Cynthia Elder
Beulah attended East St. Louis schools and graduated in January, 1948 with the National Honor Society Award from East St. Louis Senior High School. She was employed by Swift & Company until their closing in October, 1971. She then became Assistant to Dr. C. C. Kane, St. Clair County Coroner, performing Inquests and Inquiries into deaths. Shortly, the President of St. Louis Stockyards had an opening as his assistant, a position Beulah held until the President retired in 1987. A Board of Directors consisting of 11 professional men unexpectedly elected her President of St. Louis National Stockyards. The corporation purchased Oklahoma City National Stockyards, making her also Vice-President of National Stockyards, a position she held until 1993 when she retired.
In 1951 Beulah married Norris Penry, a marriage that lasted 47 years until his death in 1998. Beulah and Norris were members of the Nazarene Church where she held many offices, Director of the Junior Choir, Sunday School teacher, and church board secretary. Although Beulah had no biological children, she loved children and was a mother to many.
After the death of Norris, Beulah then renewed a 50 year friendship with Bob (Robert) Elder, in 2004. Beulah and Bob were married at St. Matthew Methodist Church on November 14, 2004, and they both joined St. Matthew UMC.
Beulah was a member of P.E.O. Chapter G.M., Rotary of St. Clair County West, Paul Harris Foundation, Mind’s Eye reader to the blind, St. Matthew Chancel Choir, Bible Boomers Class, and New Life Club.
Beulah is survived by her:
- Loving and caring husband, Bob Elder
- nieces:
- Sis (Glen) Briley
- Karol Dillard
- Carolyn (Billy) Mikel
- nephews:
- Ernie (Jane) Peiffer
- Dennis (Marcia) Dillard
- David (Angie) Feegle
- stepsons:
- Jeff (Kate) Elder
- Dean (Carol) Elder
- step-grandchildren:
- Alex
- Ashley (Tyler) Mueth
- Erica (Cadence Kirchner)
- Kelsey Elder
- Great nieces:
- Sherry Gravot
- Jennifer (Caleb) Heal
- Great nephews:
- John (Jen) Briley
- Adam (Shannon) Peiffer
- Ernest Peiffer, III
- Matthew Peiffer
- Aaron (Amber) Dillard
- several great-great nephews and nieces
- Cousins by marriage , Dr. Sam (Linda) Brinkley of Alton, IL
- Her step-great granddaughter, Stella, brought her the greatest joy.
Beulah was a beautiful and gracious lady who always found the good in every situation, and loved singing for her Lord. She had a heartwarming smile for everyone, loved to laugh, and we can’t forget shopping. Beulah and Bob spent many winters in Florida where they made good friends who became their extended family. Other close friends enriching her life were Jean and Harry Cruncleton, Nancy and Freeman Hartmann, Robert Stamm, Jim and Dotti Luechtefeld, and many at St. Matthews and the Nazarene Churches.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, St. Matthew’s UMC, or St. Clair Memorial Park Cemetery and may me sent to Kurrus Funeral Home.
Funeral: Private family services. Interment at St. Clair Memorial Park Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
15 Comments
My sincerest condolences. I cherish knowing Beulah and giving her care when needed.
Patty Bearth
Beulah was a special person, loved by many. She was special to all in my husband’s family. I have heard of trips to CO that they took together.
She will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great lady and will be missed!
Bob & family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Beulah. I know she gave her illness a good fight. Beulah was always such a positive person who I enjoyed meeting with at Rotary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mrs. Elder was not only a beautiful woman, she was a beautiful soul. The first time I ever saw her and Bob together, it made my heart glow. A beautiful couple and beautiful people. Blessings to my good friend Bob. percy McKinney, E. St. Louis.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Bob.
Beulah was a gracious lady who always smiled and made everyone feel special. We will always remember and cherish the enjoyable visits with you and Beulah.
As Terry always says “Beulah is a classy lady”.
She fought a tough battle with courage and faith.
I always loved Beulah as a child and was so happy to see her again at Sis and Glen’s anniversary party. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out and such an inspiration to me. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for the family.
Please accept my sympathy . I always enjoyed talking with Beulah and Bob at the beauty shop. She was a lovely lady inside and out. Blessings
I remember Beulah as a kind and gentle soul. Although I did not know her well her grace and and kindness were apparent to all.
Dear Bob and Family,
What a classy couple you two made. I met Beulah in the Chancel Choir before you were married. I recall when she introduced you to Bible Boomers Sunday School class. You both were so happy. Those next years were blessed with travel and so many old and new friends. I treasure the months that I shared with you two, caring for you. Those were blessed and will remain in my memory, Love to all your family that I met and shared time with. God bless you Bob.
Dear Bob . You and all of Beulah’s loved ones have our sincere sympathy
Bob,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Beulah was such a kind and gentle soul and will be greatly missed by all of us at St. Matthew.
We love you.
Jeff and Linda Uhl
The thoughts and prayers from the Knepper’s are with Bob and family. Beulah was a beautiful lady and her care and love for Bob was touching. God Bless you all.
Dear Mr. Elder and family,
I offer my sincere condolences with the passing of Mrs.Elder. She was a kind, gracious and lovely lady. Our late parents were so fond of you both and treasured your friendship, as I have always appreciated your kindness. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers with warm memories of this beautiful lady.
I just find out you had passed away when i read about Bob Elder passing away, you all have my deepest sympathy and in my thought s and prayer
R I P Beulah
Betty Scherrer